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Daniel whose name means God is my judge, was a young man maybe 14 or 15 of noble blood who was exiled to Babylonian during the reign of King Jehoiakim (609-597 BC).  He served under the conquering kings, King Nebuchadnezzar and King Cyrus.  Most scholars believe the book of Daniel was written in the 6th century BC.  It’s purpose is to record events and visions that Daniel saw during exile. 

Daniel’s theme is God’s absolute authoritative sovereignty over history and empires!  He places Kings and on the throne and removes them as He pleases. 

Chapter one shows that it is possible to live a life of obedience even in exile surrounded by pagan pressures and influences.  It will take a sold out to God type person to do this.  Out of 50 to 70 chosen young men, only 4 took a stand.

God Sovereignly allows His People to be captured when they are disobedient.  V. 2 shows this clearly.

The Lord warned them about this in Lev 26:33, 39

Leviticus 26:33  And I will scatter you among the nations, and I will unsheathe the sword after you, and your land shall be a desolation, and your cities shall be a waste.

Leviticus 26:39 And those of you who are left shall rot away in your enemies’ lands because of their iniquity, and also because of the iniquities of their fathers they shall rot away like them.
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God is Serious about Our Disobedience vv.1-2
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God is Specific about Our Development vv.3-6

How do we develop in a Godless world?  Through the Word of God.  Through obedience to God we will find true development.  Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
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God is Sovereign Over Direction vv.7-16

Babylonian desire was to brainwash them through…

1) Babylonian education

2) Redefinition- renaming

3) Re-cultivation

They were ok with education, because they were committed to the Word of God.  (High-school to College)

They were committed to the Word of God!

The New Testament teaches this.  Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

They were ok with renaming because you couldn’t change their heart!  But their diet, re-cultivation, what went into their body could not be defiled. 

They never wanted to adopt the lifestyle!  Once you start living the lifestyle of the society, you’ve abandoned the Word of God.

 
Daniel was unwilling to deviate from God’s will.  God is his anchor! 

God will sometimes use circumstances in our lives to identify where our trust is.  Is our trust in money or is it in God?  Are we going to bow down to society and worldly desires or are we going to serve God?

As a result of Daniel and his friends decision to follow God in the small things, God blessed them in big ways.  Are we allowing the little things of this society to contaminate our minds and our hearts?  Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, be careful what you see, eat, do.  Don’t buy the lie that a little will not hurt you.  I’m not trying to be legalistic, but I know of many who have murdered someone on the road or have wrecked their marriage and family who wish they never took the first drink.  Satan says, its ok, but God says I’ve created you to find your sole delight in me, not the world. 

2 Corinthians 7:1 “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.”

Characteristics of God’s People Who Are His Instruments

1) Bold v.8 (Moses, Stephen, John, Peter, Paul) Unashamed
2) Different v.8b, 12
3) Protection v.9
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God Shines On Those Who Do Not Deviate vv.17-21

Jeremiah 29:7 “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”  Bloom where ever you are planted!  If you’re in exile, glorify God in those circumstances.  Make the best of it for God’s glory.